Matthew 9:21 Meaning and Explanation
“For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The woman believes that merely touching Jesus' garment will be enough to make her well.
What Does Matthew 9:21 Mean?
This verse lets us overhear the woman's own heart. To herself, again and again, she keeps repeating a single conviction: if she may but touch his garment, she will be made whole. Her faith fastens not on ceremony, not on a spoken word from him, not even on being seen, but simply on the smallest possible contact with his person.
Hers is a humble yet daring trust. She does not presume to ask, "if he will lay his hands on me," but only, "if I may but touch." She asks for so very little precisely because she believes there is so very much stored up in him. Such faith, hidden away in the whisper of a frightened heart and spoken to no one, does not for a moment escape the Lord's notice. He hears what is said within.
Matthew 9:21 in the Original Language
sothesomai (σωθήσομαι), 'I shall be whole' -- to be saved, made well, rescued and restored.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 9:21
What does Matthew 9:21 mean?
The woman believes that merely touching Jesus' garment will be enough to make her well.